Motatapu
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About the race
The Motatapu Trail Marathon is a 42.2 km off-road race through private high-country stations in the Queenstown Lakes region between Wanaka and Arrowtown. The course includes an estimated cumulative climb of 1050 m and reaches a highest point of 880 m, passing through Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe stations and finishing at Wilcox Green in Arrowtown.
The route follows firm 4WD farm tracks, single-track sections and the Macetown Track, and includes numerous river crossings and long alpine valleys. The event uses four self-service aid stations positioned along the course; aid stations provide toilets, water, PURE electrolyte drink and Clif Power Bars, and are cup-free so competitors must carry their own vessel. All competitors must carry the mandatory gear for alpine conditions; no mandatory gear means no start. The race is an official UTMB Index race.
Logistics: there is no private vehicle access to the start at Motatapu Station near Glendhu Bay; athletes are transported to the start by bus and a bag drop service carries non-mandatory items to the finish area. The event enforces cut-off times at intermediate aid stations and a course cut-off; athletes must meet these times to continue. Minimum age to compete is 18. Overall male and female winners receive NZD $500 and age-group placegetters are recognised at the prizegiving. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
